Vaughan Larsen

Rites

Self Portrait as my Mother as a Cheerleader
Self Portrait as my Mother as a Cheerleader

In the self-portraits that comprise my body of work Rites, I reenact ceremonies from hetero-normative, cis-gendered culture. These photographs are direct parodies of moments my family members lived through, but also contain altered details that are more aligned with my queer identity and experience.

By over-emphasising the already performative nature of these events, my work provides the opportunity to participate in celebrations, ceremonies, and rites of passage that are historically not as accessible to me as a queer-identifying person. Through these performances, my work questions the societal expectations and roles played by those engaged with these age old rituals, while showing the viewer the perspective of not feeling as welcomed to participate in life milestones.

Self Portrait as my Grandmother
Self Portrait as my Grandmother
Self Portrait as my Aunt with her Father
Self Portrait as my Aunt with her Father
Self Portrait as my Mother the day back from the Hospital
Self Portrait as my Mother the day back from the Hospital
Self Portrait as my Grandfather
Self Portrait as my Grandfather
Self Portrait as my Uncle at Homecoming
Self Portrait as my Uncle at Homecoming
Self Portrait as my Mother at my Father's Military Ball
Self Portrait as my Mother at my Father’s Military Ball
Self Portrait as my Aunt getting ready for Prom
Self Portrait as my Aunt getting ready for Prom
Self Portrait as a Woman in the Hospital
Self Portrait as a Woman in the Hospital
Vaughan Larsen